The sustainable public space as an option for circular design applied to the city and urban design

Abstract

This work broadly examines the positive impact of incorporating a circular economy and design model into the conception and realization of sustainable urban spaces, emphasizing their integration within a design culture in habitat design schools. It is crucial to view these spaces as fundamental components of the cycles of design, production, use, and maintenance, as well as the activities and processes that occur within them. Such an approach aims to enhance the quality of life for populations by embedding the concept of “Circular Design” into educational environments dedicated to teaching architecture, urban design, and habitable space design.

Understanding the elements that a sustainable urban space encompasses throughout its entire lifecycle—selection, diagnosis, planning, design, construction, maintenance, operation, evaluation, and monitoring—enables their comparison and integration into appropriate circular design strategies. These strategies aim to minimize negative impacts on both the natural and human environment while benefiting user populations and harmonizing with the natural and built ecosystem.